Win some, lose some, but keep learning

I typically visit the three clubs that are generally viewed as the lower end clubs rather than the other options. My preferences run to dive bars rather than the glitz and I am usually visiting in the afternoon when I have a little time, but not a lot. With Bogarts, HN8 and SC your cost of entry is very low, $5 door fee at Hank’s and Boggies, no fee at the Cricket. Free parking at all three and reasonably close proximity so moving on the another club is easy and doesn’t require walking away from a larger investment. When I decide it is time to move on, I like the fact that I can just walk to my car and head down the road, no need to wait on a valet guy who might be busy and add wait time to my visit. That’s just me. I don’t want a fantasy gal that is substantially younger than me. If you do want that, none of three places mentioned above are going to work for you.

On to the cricket visit: as mentioned, free parking in a discreet lot behind the building that is easily accessible from Michigan Avenue. You enter in the back and are typically greeted by a bouncer sitting inside the entrance. They were taking names, but not temps on this visit. Mickey Mantel (spelled like that) apparently entered right before me, but I didn’t see him. The stage is in the middle of the room and you can sit at the bar (which is awkward since you face away from the stage and stare at some TVs). The small round table are without a cost, I believe booths are the typical $20 during the day. I always take a table and typically order a “bucket’ of imported beer, that’s two beers for $11 rather than one for $7 I believe. I like having the two beverages as it gives me flexibility. I can pound one and carry the other if I want to move to the VIP quickly or I can nurse them both and survey my options.

In the post shutdown days, it seems the number of performers is less than pre pandemic. Granted, every day of the week is different, but most Wednesday through Fridays pre pandemic we would get two dancers on stage at a time. Lately, it has been just one and on this visit as I was leaving I heard the announcement that the next dancer would be on stage in just a few more songs.